Apostle David Johndrow - Fire And Grace

My Daughter and I went to the grocery store a few days ago. Just inside the entrance was a large man behind at a small card table, dresses in VFW uniform with a handful of poppies . That's where Charlotte and I met Harry Serulneck, the quartermaster for the Framingham Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 929. I couldn't help but think of my dad who would have been about the same age, though Harry was 8 years older. I just keep looking at him, thinking of my dad; thinking of the last salute he received from the Sergeant. "We salute Sergeant Johndrow, she said." And the closed his casket forever. I thought about the last time I saw his face. Harry is out there supporting a brother in arms - a blind one. His post is taking up a collection to provide a hand held reader for another soldier who served our country. I read a couple of online articles about Harry, and two things struck me. One, most of the posts don't have any comments, but this one particular POST has ...

Today is Veterans day. Most of us have never seen war - I know I haven't. I would venture that most don't know what today is about - the Armistice that ended WW I in the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month. It's been going on since 1919 and the name was changed in 1954 - all probably before you were born - or at least remember. My grandfather on my mother's side, born in Ireland in 1888, came to the USA and served in WW I. He also chased Pancho Villa are around the Mexican border in 1916. This day was to honor his efforts, and later, to honor the efforts of all US military veterans. He received a Purple Heart - I actually can't remember how the story goes - but his injury affected his hearing. My father also served his country in both the European and South Pacific theaters during WW II and the Korean War conflict. He received 2 Purple Hearts for injuries sustained fighting for my freedom and yours. How I wish I had a better understanding of their sacri...